Business Details
47 Years
experience
Charlton Sewing Center: Sewing & Fabric Experts in Charlton, MA
Founded in 1979 as The Simple Machine, we have evolved into New England's premier sewing sanctuary, operating from a historic 110-year-old church in Worcester County. Our 2,100-square-foot retail space combines a gift shop, fabric and book store, extensive thread inventory in the former Choir Loft, and antique sewing machines. We specialize in BERNINA, Pfaff, and Handiquilter machines while maintaining a deep commitment to the sewing, quilting, and textile arts community. Our exhibits rotate monthly, displayed among stained glass windows and an original pipe organ, creating a unique retail experience. Cathy and Stephen Racine, our owners, have dedicated decades to fostering a community where kindness and love are central to the sewing industry.We offer not just products but a welcoming space for connection, education, and inspiration. Our community service initiatives include partnerships with Alzheimer's organizations, Habitat for Humanity, and Quilts of Valor. With over 40 years of combined experience, we provide expert guidance on sewing machines, fabrics, and notions. Our historic location and dedication to preserving sewing traditions make us a trusted destination for both beginners and professionals. We guarantee a personalized experience where customers can explore products, attend exhibits, or simply enjoy a cup of tea.
Services
Sewing Machines
Fabric Selection
Thread Inventory
Notions & Supplies
Antique Machines
Community Service
Sewing Exhibits
Quilting Materials
Beading Supplies
Machine Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We operate from a historic 110-year-old church with unique retail space
- Our owners have 40+ years combined experience in sewing industry
- We offer rotating monthly sewing exhibits in stained glass setting
- We partner with Quilts of Valor and Habitat for Humanity
- We maintain extensive thread inventory in former church choir loft
What people say
Historic church setting
Extensive thread selection
Community involvement
Expert staff
Unique exhibits
Services
Sewing Machines
We offer top-brand sewing machines including BERNINA, Pfaff, and Handiquilter models. Our inventory features both modern and antique machines for all skill levels. Expert staff provides personalized recommendations and demonstrations.
Fabric Selection
Our extensive fabric collection includes specialty fibers and materials for quilting, garment making, and home decor. We curate seasonal collections and maintain deep stock of popular patterns and textures.
Thread Inventory
We house one of New England's largest thread selections in our former church choir loft. Our inventory includes premium threads for embroidery, quilting, and industrial applications across 2,100 sq ft.
Sewing Exhibits
Monthly rotating exhibits showcase sewing and textile artistry in our historic church space. Each display utilizes stained glass windows and original architectural features for unique presentation.
Community Service
We actively support local causes through partnerships with Alzheimer's organizations, Habitat for Humanity, and Quilts of Valor. Our programs promote textile arts in community-building initiatives.
People
Cathy Racine
Co-Owner
Cathy Racine co-owns Charlton Sewing Center with her husband Stephen. She leads repair services and community initiatives, leveraging 20+ years of sewing industry experience to strengthen central Massachusetts' textile arts community.
Stephen Racine
Co-Owner
Stephen Racine co-founded the business with Cathy, focusing on inventory management and historic preservation. He brings technical expertise in sewing machines and a commitment to maintaining the church's architectural integrity.
Questions
What makes Charlton Sewing Center unique?
We operate from a 110-year-old historic church with stained glass windows and original architectural features, creating a distinctive shopping experience.
Do you offer sewing machine repairs?
Yes, Cathy Racine leads our repair services with expertise in both modern and antique sewing machines.
What brands do you carry?
We specialize in BERNINA, Pfaff, Handiquilter, JUKI, and BREWER sewing machines alongside extensive fabric and thread selections.
Are there community programs available?
We partner with Quilts of Valor, Habitat for Humanity, and Alzheimer's organizations to support textile arts in community-building initiatives.
What are your operating hours?
We're open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM, closed Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
